Forceps with a rotation assembly

ABSTRACT

A surgical device comprising: (a) a stylet comprising: one or more support rods; (b) a hand piece comprising: one or more housing structures defining a cavity; and one or more actuating mechanisms comprising: one or more levers attached to one or more pivot axes in the hand piece and configured to form one or more slidable joints in communication with the one or more support rods; wherein the one or more levers are configured to be assembled by: being placed into the hand piece along the assembly direction before the stylet so the stylet may be placed into the hand piece over the one or more levers; or being placed into the hand piece along the assembly direction after the stylet so the one or more levers is placed into the hand piece over the stylet and in communication with the stylet.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to forceps with a member to facilitate axialmovement and rotational movement of a gripping assembly, a cuttingassembly, or both.

BACKGROUND

Generally forceps may be utilized for laparoscopic surgery. The forcepsmay be used to control delicate movements inside a patient. Theseforceps may be used to grip an anatomical feature. The forceps mayinclude a gripping assembly or a cutting assembly. The forceps mayinclude electrical energy for use in the gripping assembly. A user, inorder to align the cutting assembly or to align the gripping assemblymay have to rotate his or her arm to change the angle of the forceps toperform one of the functions of the forceps. A user while maintainingtheir arm in a rotated position may further be able to actuate thegripping assembly or the cutting assembly such that repositioning of oneor more fingers and/or the user's hand may be required to simultaneouslyperform both functions. This simultaneous movement may cause the user todivert their attention from the anatomical feature of interest.

Current forceps during surgery may grip an item of interest to perform asurgical function thereon. Performing the surgical function with toolsat the end of an elongated stylet may cause strain on the one or moresupport rods of the stylet. Strain on the one or more support rods mayoccur when the forceps are used to grip, cut, or perform anothersurgical function, and while performing the function the forceps arerotated by the user. Current forceps have intricate parts that make upassemblies and mechanisms. The intricate parts have precise placementrequirements so that the intricate parts work together properly. Theseintricate parts during assembly may need one or more assemblies to bepre-assembled and/or manipulated once assembled such that the pieces maynot be assembled in a single order without the need for reassembly ofone or more of the previously installed components. The forceps includeone or more levers that have a forked cam such that the levers cannot beinstalled without manipulating the one or more components they actuate.

Examples of some devices that may be used as a surgical instrument maybe found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,735,849; 7,150,749 and Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2003/0229344 all of which are incorporated by referenceherein for all purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,849 discloses a forcepsdevice that may work to cut or grip during surgery, but may not allowfor simultaneous rotation and actuation of the cutting or grippingfunction. U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,749 discloses a forceps device that maywork effectively to cut or grip during surgery, may not allow forrotation of the cutting or gripping assemblies without puttingrotational strain on the support rod of the assemblies. U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2003/0229344 discloses a forceps device thatmay work to cut or grip during surgery, may not be able to be assembledin a way where the parts may be placed into position withoutmanipulating or repositioning other parts. It would be attractive forthe forceps to move independently relative to the hand piece. What isneeded is a bearing surface on the support rod of the one or moreassemblies to allow for low friction rotation and longitudinal movementat the same time. What is needed is one or more levers configured toallow the device to be assembled along an assembly direction withoutrepositioning of already installed components. It would be attractive tobe have a device that may be robotically assembled. What is needed is aforceps that may be assembled by placing the parts into position withoutrepositioning other parts so that the forceps may be assembled in atop-down manner.

SUMMARY

The disclosure meets one or more of the needs by providing: a forcepscomprising: (a) a stylet having a distal end and a proximal end region;the stylet comprising; (i) a hollow tube having a proximal end regionand a longitudinal axis; (ii) one or more assemblies that are extendablethrough the hollow tube, the one or more assemblies comprising; (1) oneor more support rods having a distal end and a proximal end region; (2)one or more functional attachments at the distal end of the one or moresupport rods; (b) a hand piece comprising; (i) one or more housingstructures defining a cavity that houses the proximal end region of thestylet; (ii) one or more actuating mechanisms in communication with theproximal end region of the stylet, the one or more actuating mechanismscomprising; (1) a bearing fitting located on the proximal end region ofthe stylet; (2) a shuttle in communication with the bearing fitting, theshuttle constrained by a plurality of guide ridges so that the shuttleis movable along a longitudinal axis and restricted from rotationalmovement around the longitudinal axis; (3) a socket housed by theshuttle, the socket receiving the bearing fitting so that the bearingfitting is rotatable relative to the shuttle; and (4) one or more leversin communication with stylet so that movement of the one or more leverscauses movement of the hollow tube and movement of the one or moreassemblies wherein the movement of the hollow tube and the movement ofthe one or more assemblies are relative to each other.

The disclosure provides: a surgical device comprising: (a) a stylethaving a distal end and a proximal end; (b) a hand piece comprising: (i)one or more housing structures defining a cavity that houses theproximal end region of the stylet so that the stylet is assembled bybeing placed into the hand piece along an assembly direction; (ii) oneor more actuating mechanisms in communication with the proximal end ofthe stylet, the one or more actuating mechanisms comprising; (1) one ormore support rods having a distal end and a proximal end region; theproximal end region extending from the proximal end of the stylet; (2)one or more levers attached to one or more pivot axes in the hand piece,the one or more levers configured to form one or more slidabe joints incommunication with the one or more support rods so that movement of theone or more levers actuates the one or more slidable joints; wherein theone or more levers are configured to be assembled by: (1) being placedinto the hand piece along the assembly direction before the stylet sothat the stylet may be placed into the hand piece over the one or morelevers; and (2) being placed into the hand piece along the assemblydirection after the stylet so that the one or more levers is placed intothe hand piece over the stylet, the one or more levers therefore beingin communication with the stylet.

Additional embodiments comprise a method of assembling a devicecomprising: (a) providing a hand piece with a cavity; (b) assembling astylet; (c) disposing a proximal end of the stylet into the cavity; (d)attaching one or more levers to the hand piece by one or more pivot axesso that part of the one or more levers is disposed within the cavity andpart of the one or more levers extend out of the cavity; and (e)connecting the one or more levers to the stylet; and wherein the one ormore levers are attached to the hand piece before the stylet is attachedto the hand piece so that the stylet is attached to the hand piecewithout repositioning of the one or more levers, or wherein the one ormore levers are attached to the hand piece after the stylet is attachedto hand piece so that the one or more levers are attached to the handpiece without repositioning of the stylet.

The teachings herein provide forceps that move independently relative tothe hand piece. The teachings herein provide a bearing surface on thesupport rod of the one or more assemblies to allow for low frictionrotation and longitudinal movement at the same time. The teachingsherein provide one or more levers configured to allow the device to beassembled along an assembly direction without repositioning of alreadyinstalled components. The teachings herein provide a device that may berobotically assembled. The teachings herein provide forceps that may beassembled by placing the parts into position without repositioning otherparts so that the forceps may be assembled in a top-down manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the forcepsdevice;

FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of theforceps device;

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the forceps device in FIG. 2Abeing assembled;

FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the forceps device in FIG. 2Abeing assembled with a secondary assembly direction.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1; along a plane(100);

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of the forceps device of FIG. 1 with thetop cover removed and both triggers in the neutral position;

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the forceps device of FIG. 1 with thetop cover removed and with one trigger retracted; and

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the forceps device of FIG. 1 with thetop cover removed and with both triggers retracted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as willbe gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporatedby reference into this written description.

The present teachings provide a forceps device. The forceps may be anyforceps that may grip an object. Preferably, the forceps may be usedduring surgery to grip a feature of interest including: a part of abody, an anatomical feature, tissue, veins, arteries, or a combinationthereof. The forceps may be any forceps that may be used in surgery, forexample laparoscopic surgery. The forceps may be used with or withoutpower. Current may be passed through the forceps so that forceps areused for electrosurgery. For example, a therapy current may be passedfrom one jaw to a second jaw when tissue is located within the jaw andthe therapy current may coagulate blood, cauterize, cut, or acombination thereof. The forceps may generally include one or moreworking assemblies and sufficient controls to work the one or moreassemblies. The forceps may be comprised of parts needed to perform therecited functions and may include generally, a stylet, a hand piece, oneor more levers used to actuate the stylet, or a combination thereof. Thehand piece may be an assembly of parts or housing structures capable offorming a hand piece structure with a cavity. The stylet may be disposedin the cavity of the hand piece.

The stylet may be any device that extends into a patient during asurgical procedure so that a user can perform one or more surgicalprocedures. The stylet may be flexible so that the stylet may be movedwithin a patient. Preferably, the stylet may be substantially rigid sothat the stylet may be moved to a desired location. The stylet includesa distal end and a proximal end. The distal end may be an end of thestylet that is located farthest from the hand piece. (e.g., the end ofthe stylet that is inserted into a patient). The proximal end of thestylet may be the end of the stylet located proximate to the user, inthe hand piece, or both. For example, the proximal end may extend intothe hand piece so that manipulation of the one or more leversmanipulates the stylet. The stylet and its components may be made of anybiocompatible material, for example, stainless steel, plastic, asynthetic material, a natural material, or a combination thereof. Thestylet may comprise a stylet sub-assembly. The stylet sub-assembly maygenerally include one or more hollow tubes, one or more grippingassemblies, one or more cutting assemblies, one or more rotationmechanisms, one or more actuating mechanisms, or a combination thereof.

The one or more hollow tubes may function to house one or more workingcomponents (e.g., a gripping assembly, a cutting assembly, or both). Theone or more hollow tubes may function to form an outer structure andsupport the stylet as the stylet extends outward from the hand piece.The one or more hollow tubes may be any device that may be used toextend a forceps device and any assemblies into a patient thereof. Theone or more hollow tubes may assist in actuating a gripping assembly.The one or more hollow tubes may be a cannula. The one or more hollowtubes may be flexible. The one or more hollow tubes may include a curve,a bend, or a combination thereof. Preferably the one or more hollowtubes may be rigid. More preferably, the one or more hollow tubes aregenerally linear and are substantially rigid. The one or more hollowtubes may be any hollow tube shaped structure that may rotate around alongitudinal axis, its own longitudinal axis, or both. The one or morehollow tubes may include a distal end and a proximal end. The one ormore hollow tubes may include an inner circumscribed diameter and anouter circumscribed diameter. The one or more hollow tubes may include amain body with a consistent inner and outer circumscribed diameter and atapered portion with a larger outer circumscribed diameter than the mainbody. The tapered portion may be an overmolding affixed to the main bodyof the one or more hollow tubes. The tapered overmolding may be locatedat the proximal end of the one or more hollow tubes. The outercircumscribed diameter of the tapered overmolding portion of the one ormore hollow tubes may increase suddenly at a shape angle, the outercircumscribed diameter may increase in a continuously changing slope ora gradual incline, the outer circumscribed diameter of the taperedportion may be stepped, or any combination thereof. The taperedovermolding may allow for the hollow tube to be actuated axially bymaking a contact point with the one or more control blocks. The one ormore hollow tubes may be square, rounded, oval, irregular, or any shapethat allows for the circumscribed diameter of the one or more hollowtubes to increase and that may allow for rotation around a longitudinalaxis. The one or more hollow tubes may include an inner circumscribeddiameter that assists in the functioning of the one or more assemblies.

The one or more hollow tubes may include an inner circumscribed diameterthat may assist in rotation of the one or more assemblies. The one ormore hollow tubes may include an inner circumscribed diameter that mayassist on actuation of the gripping assembly. The one or more hollowtubes may include a constant inner circumscribed diameter, an innercircumscribed diameter that changes in the tapered portion, or acombination of both. The inner circumscribed diameter of the one or morehollow tubes may be any diameter so that one or more, and preferably twoor more components may extend through a center (i.e., the hollow portionof the hollow tube) of the one or more hollow tubes for use during asurgical procedure, for example laparoscopic surgery. The inner diameterof the one or more hollow tubes may be sufficiently large so that theone or more hollow tubes may house the internal components and theinternal components may be moveable into and out of the one or morehollow tubes (i.e., along a longitudinal axis of the one or more hollowtubes), radially within the one or more hollow tubes, rotationallywithin the one or more hollow tubes, or a combination thereof. The sizeof the inner diameter of the one or more hollow tubes may besufficiently small so that camming sections extending radially from theproximal end of one or more opposing jaws are engaged by the hollowtube. The engaging of the radially extending camming sections may forcethe set of one or more opposing jaws or the functional attachment tobias (e.g., move towards each other to create a gripping force). Theinner circumscribed diameter may be about 1 mm or more, preferably 3 mmor more, more preferably 5 mm or more. The inner circumscribed diametermay be about 20 mm or less, preferably about 15 mm or less, or morepreferably about 10 mm or less. The inner circumscribed diameter mayfrom about 1 mm to about 20 mm, preferably from about 3 mm to about 15mm, or more preferably from about 5 mm to about 10 mm. The proximal endof the one or more hollow tubes may be disposed of in the hand piece. Inthe hand piece the one or more hollow tubes may extend through a returndevice and a stopping device.

The return mechanism may assist in actuating one or more assemblies. Thereturn mechanism may return the one or more assemblies to neutral orresting position after actuation. The return mechanism may be any devicethat biases the hollow tube to resting position so that when the hollowtube is actuated and released from actuation the hollow tube returnsback to resting position. The return mechanism may be a spring structureor any structure that can be compressed and released. The returnmechanism may be a return spring. The return mechanism may use astopping device support the return function.

The stopping device may be any device that may assist in actuating oneor more assemblies. The stopping device may be any device that mayassist in returning the one or more assemblies to neutral or restingposition after actuation. The stopping device may act as a returnmechanism anchor structure for the return mechanism. The stopping devicemay be any device that may allow for a return mechanism to remainstationary at one end while still applying force at the opposite end inthe opposite direction, causing movement in that direction. The stoppingdevice may be any shape that may allow the stopping device to be securedaround a cylinder and be retrained from any movement. For example, thestopping device may be secured to the tapered overmolding portion of thehollow tube. The stopping device may be any structure that may remainsecure around a cylinder and allow another piece to apply force to thestopping device without the stopping device moving. The stopping devicemay be a star washer. The stopping device may be secured to the proximalend of the tapered overmold portion of the one or more hollow tubes. Theproximal end of the tapered overmold portion may have one or more tabsextending radially there from to be coupled with the control blocks.

The radially extending tabs may function to couple two or more devicestogether. The radially extending tabs may be any device that couples oneor more control blocks. The radially extending tabs may be any devicethat allows for rotation of the one or more control blocks,longitudinally movement of the one or more control blocks along thestylet axis, or both. The radially extending tabs may be any structurethat may allow for coupling with another structure. The radiallyextending tabs may be any structure that may allow for axial movement ofthe hollow tube while simultaneously being coupled with otherstructures. The radially extending tabs may be coupled to the one ormore control blocks, the one or more control blocks preferablycomprising a structure to couple to the tapered overmold portion. Thetapered overmold portion of the one or more hollow tubes may besufficiently long so that the radially extending tabs couple with theone or more control blocks. The radially extending tabs may allow forthe one or more hollow tubes to be rotated when the user manipulates thestructures coupled to the one or more hollow tubes.

The gripping assembly may function to create a gripping force, grip afeature of interest, or both. The gripping assembly may be one or moredevices or parts that provide a gripping force, grips one or moreobjects, or both. The gripping assembly may be any combination of partsthat may be used during surgery to grip one or more features of interestsuch as tissue, veins, arteries, an anatomical feature, or a combinationthereof. The gripping assembly may be actuated by one or more levers.The dripping assembly may be used in surgery, for example laparoscopicsurgery. The gripping assembly may create a sufficient gripping force sothat one or more features of interest of a patient's body may bemanipulated by the gripping assembly, secured by the gripping assembly,or a combination thereof. The gripping assembly may be composed of partsthat may extend through the hollow tube. The gripping assembly may be anassembly of parts rotatable about an axis (e.g., a rotational axis ofthe gripping assembly, the longitudinal axis of the stylet, alongitudinal axis of the gripping assembly, or a combination thereof).The gripping assembly may grip and release while being simultaneouslyrotated. The gripping assembly may be actuated by the actuationmechanism in communication with the gripping assembly. The grippingassembly may be actuated by retracting the two opposing jaws into theone or more hollow tubes forcing the two opposing jaws closed. Thegripping assembly may be actuated by extending the one or more hollowtubes away from the hand piece so that the one or more hollow tubesbiases camming sections of the two opposing jaws towards one anotherinto a closed position, creating a gripping force, or both. The grippingassembly may be any structure that may allow for top-down assembly. Thegripping assembly may generally have two or more opposing jaws, and oneor more jaw support rods, or a combination of both. Preferably, thegripping assembly may have two jaw support rods that each includes acamming section and an opposing jaw attached to each of the jaw supportrods.

The two or more opposing jaws may function to perform a grippingfunction. The two or more opposing jaws may move towards each other tocreate a gripping force, to grip a feature of interest, or both. The twoor more opposing jaws may be any devices that may be used to grip itemsof interest in surgery, for example laparoscopic surgery. The two ormore opposing jaws may be any devices that may be used to grip or clampan item of interest for cutting. The two or more opposing jaws may beany shape and size so that the jaws perform a gripping function, createa gripping force, or both. Preferably, the two or more opposing jaws maybe one jaw structure with one opposing jaw structure that when forcedtogether may allow for a gripping function. The two opposing jaws may beany two or more structures that may be movable relative to each otherfor perform a gripping function. The two opposing jaws may be anystructures that may allow one jaw to be static and one jaw to be movableor any combination thereof. One or both of the two opposing jaws mayinclude a pivot axis so that the two opposing jaws move about the pivotaxis to perform a gripping function. The two opposing jaws may form agap to allow for a cutting instrument to be inserted while retainingfunctionality of the two or more opposing jaws. The gap may be any shapeand size so that a blade, functional element, a surgical instrument, ora combination thereof may be extended into the jaws, into the gapbetween the jaws, or both. The blade surgical instrument, functionalelement, or a combination thereof may be extended into the gap formed in(or between) the two opposing jaws while the two opposing jaws areclosed, open, or a position there between. The two opposing jaws may bemade of any material so that the two opposing jaws may be used to createa gripping force. The two opposing jaws may be made of a flexiblematerial, resilient material, rigid stainless steel, a plasticallydeformable material, or a combination thereof. The two opposing jaws maybe made of a material that conducts electricity. The two opposing jawsmay apply the electricity to a feature of interest that may be grippedby the two opposing jaws. The gripping portion of the two opposing jawsmay have a surface texture to grip a feature of interest. For instancethe surface texture may be smooth, flat, contoured, serrated, textured,include ridges, mouse teeth, or a combination thereof. Preferably, thegripping portion of the two opposing jaws may have a serrated edge toallow for more secure gripping. The two opposing jaws may have an edgewith a surface that may function similar to a serrated edge to allow forsecure gripping. The two opposing jaws may be biased from an openposition to a closed position by retraction of one of the one or morejaw support rods, movement of the one or more hollow tubes towards thedistal end, or both along an axis of the one or more hollow tubes. Thetwo opposing jaws may have laterally extending camming sections at theproximal end of the jaws that protruding out from the distal end of thehollow tube. Preferably, at least a portion of the laterally extendingcamming sections are wider than the mouth of the hollow tube so thataxial movement of the hollow tube, the jaw support rods, or both biasesthe two opposing jaws closing the two opposing jaws, creating a grippingforce, or both. For example, when a trigger is actuated the one or morehollow tubes may be moved towards (i.e., away from the hand piece) thetwo opposing jaws and may bias the two opposing jaws towards each other.The gripping assembly may be static relative to the hand piece so thatonce a feature of interest is placed between the two opposing jaws, thejaws may be biased to create a gripping force without having toreposition the two opposing jaws relative to the feature of interest.The gripping assembly may rotate in combination with the one or morehollow tubes, independent of the one or more hollow tubes, or both.Preferably, the gripping assembly may rotate independently of the handpiece. The griping assembly may rotate independently of the hollow tube.A proximal end of the two opposing jaws of the gripping assembly mayeach be attached to a one or more jaw support rods.

The one or more jaw support rods may function to assist a user inaligning a feature of interest between two or more opposing jaws, thatmay assist in creating a gripping force between the two opposing jaws,that may provide support to one or more jaws, extending through one ormore hollow tubes, or any combination thereof. The one or more jawsupport rods may be generally any shape that may perform the recitedfunctions. The one or more jaw support rods may be any light weightmaterial that is strong enough to support the two opposing jaws and tosupport the gripping action of the jaws. The one or more jaw supportrods may be a solid cylindrical rod shape, the jaw support rod may be ahollow cylindrical rod shape, or both. The one or more jaw support rodsmay be flexible, rigid, conductive, elastically deformable, or acombination thereof. Preferably, the one or more jaw support rods may bea hollow tube. More preferably, the one or more jaw support rods may bea single jaw support rod. Most preferably, the one or more jaw supportrods may each support a jaw. The one or more jaw support rods may behoused by a hollow tube of the teachings herein and may form a stylet.The jaw support rods may extend through the hollow tube at the distalend of the hollow tube at the proximal end of the hollow tube, or acombination thereof. The one or more jaw support rods may extend out ofthe distal end of the hollow tube and may have a functional attachmentconnected to the distal end of the one or more jaw support rods. Thefunctional attachment may be one or both of two opposing jaws or anattachment with the functional equivalent of performing a grippingfunction. The proximal end of the one or more jaw support rods mayextend from the proximal end of the hollow tube may be secured orfastened to a control block. The one or more jaw support rods may besecured to a spool control block, an anchor control block, or acombination thereof. The one or more jaw support rods may be actuated bythe spool control block, the anchor control block, or both. The one ormore jaw support rods may be adjacent to the cutting assembly inside thehollow tube.

The cutting assembly may be any assembly of parts capable of cutting. Ingeneral the cutting assembly may be any cutting assembly that may beused during surgery to cut tissue, veins, arteries, an anatomicalfeature, a feature of interest, or a combination thereof. The cuttingassembly may be any cutting assembly that may be used in surgery, forexample laparoscopic surgery. The cutting assembly may be any assemblyof parts that may fit inside the hollow tube extend through the hollowtube, or a combination thereof. The cutting assembly may be any assemblyof parts capable of rotating independent of the hollow tube or incombination with the hollow tube. The cutting assembly may be actuatedto perform a cutting function by an actuation mechanism. The cuttingassembly may be any cutting assembly that may generally be comprised ofa blade, a blade support rod, or a combination thereof.

The blade may function cut a feature of interest. The blade may be anycutting tool that may be used in surgery, for example laparoscopicsurgery. The blade may be any cutting device that may be extended andretracted through the hollow tube. The blade may be made of any materialthat may be sharpened; is strong enough to cut tissue, veins, arteries,an anatomical feature, a feature of interest, or a combination thereof;is biocompatible; that may conduct electricity; or a combinationthereof. The blade may be any shape that may fit inside the hollow tubeand extend into the gap formed between the two opposing jaws, so that afeature of interest for example an anatomical feature, tissue, veins,arteries, or a combination thereof may be cut. The blade may besufficiently small so that the blade may be housed in the hollow tubeduring movement, insertion, or both. The blade may be extended into, andretracted from, the gap in the two opposing jaws. The distal end of theblade may have a shape edge. The proximal end of the blade may beattached to a blade support rod.

The blade support rod may function to support the blade and assist inmoving the blade axially. The blade support rod may extend the blade outof the hollow tube, (e.g., into the gap formed by the two opposingjaws). The blade support rod may be any device that may retract theblade. The blade support rod may be extended or retracted by anactuating mechanism. The blade support rod may be used to actuate ablade in surgery, for example laparoscopic surgery. The blade supportrod may be of shape and size to actuate a blade inside a hollow tube.For example the blade support rod may be a wire, shaped metal, rod, aplurality of combined longitudinal pieces, or any similar rigidstructure that may fit in and extend through the hollow tube. The bladesupport rod may be made of a material that is light weight, but strongenough to extend a blade through a feature of interest, for example, ananatomical feature, tissue, veins, arteries, or a combination thereof;thereby cutting the feature of interest. The blade support rod may havea distal end and a proximal end. A blade may be attached to a distalend, a distal end region, or both of the blade support rod. The bladesupport rod may have a structure at the proximal end of the bladesupport rod, at the proximal end region of the blade support rod, orboth to assist in rotation of the blade. The blade support rod may havea bearing fitting structure affixed to the proximal end region of theblade support rod. The blade support rod may extend through the bearingfitting structure and may extend through a shuttle housing the bearingfitting structure. A portion of the blade support rod may have astopping feature to restrain longitudinal movement along a longitudinalaxis, the stopping feature may include a shoulder structure, a taperedfeature, or both that may prevent the blade support rod from axiallymoving through the bearing fitting. The blade support rod may be incommunication with the actuating mechanism. The blade support rod may bein communication with the actuating mechanism inside a hand piece.

The hand piece may be any device that forms an enclosing structure forthe forceps. The hand piece may be any device that houses the workingassemblies and parts of the forceps. The hand piece may be any devicethat houses the controls to work the assemblies of the forceps. The handpiece may be comprised of one or more housing structures. Preferably,the hand piece is two or more housing structures. The hand piece may bean assembly of parts or housing structures that when combined form ahand piece structure. The hand piece may be any structure that isgripped by a user. The hand piece may be any structure that combines oneor more of the components discussed herein so that forceps are formed.The hand piece may be any structure that may assist in performinglaparoscopic surgery. The hand piece may be ergonomically shaped. Theergonomic shape of the hand piece may be any shape so that the forcepsmay be used ambidextrously. The ergonomic shape of the hand piece may beany shape such that all the controls can be accessed by a single handgripping the hand piece. The hand piece may have a bisecting plane todefine an assembly direction. The hand piece may be comprised of housingstructures.

The housing structures may be any devices that form the hand piece. Thehousing structures may be any devices that may affix certain pieces intoposition. The housing structures may form a cavity to house workingassemblies of the forceps. The housing structures may be one or morehousing structures and preferably two or more housing structures. Thehousing structures may be any devices that include a recess forreceiving one or more components of the forceps, the hand piece, orboth. The two housing structures may be bisected by a plane that extendsthrough the two housing structures so that a substantially equal and/ormirror image housing structure is located on each side of the plane. Forexample, the plane may extend through the longitudinal axis of thestylet and parallel to the walls of both housing structures so that thehousing structures extend along each side of the plane. The plane mayseparate and define a left portion and a right portion when the deviceis oriented in an upright position. The plane may separate and define abottom portion and a top portion when the device is oriented in a flatposition and lying on its side. The plane that bisects the hand piecemay determine an assembly direction normal to the plane. The plane thatbisects the hand piece may extend through the hand piece along thelongitudinal axis of the stylet. The hand piece may house a power cordused to integrate power into the gripping assembly. The housingstructures of the hand piece may include a web structure. The webstructure is a plurality of forms extending from the inside surface ofthe housing structures. The web structure may hold the inner parts ofthe forceps in place to assist in assembly of the forceps and to assistin the proper functioning of the parts of the forceps. The web structuremay house parts of the one or more assemblies, form attachment pointsfor one or components of the assembly and/or forceps, or both. The webstructure may house the control blocks, a rotation wheel, or acombination thereof. The housing structures may have one or more guideridges attached. The one or more guide ridges may be any form orstructure attached to the housing structure that may act as a guide forother moving parts. The one or more guide ridges may be any form orstructure that may allow for a shuttle device, or similar structure tomove axially and at the same time be restrained from any rotation. Theone or more guide ridges may house one or more parts of the actuationmechanism. The one or more guide ridges may house and restrain ashuttle. The housing structures may include one or more structures thatmay act as one or more pivot axes. The one or more pivot axes mayreceive the one or more levers, and may restrain the movement of the oneor more levers to only axial movement around the one or more pivot axes.The housing structures may be secured at the distal end where the styletenters the hand piece by a nose cone that connects the housingstructures together. The housing structures may house an actuatingmechanism.

The actuating mechanism may function to actuate another structure orassembly. The actuating mechanism may be any mechanism capable ofactuating the gripping assembly, the cutting assembly, or both. Theactuating mechanism may actuate one or more control blocks, a shuttle,or both. The actuating mechanism may be in communication with theproximal end, a proximal end region, or both of the gripping assembly,the cutting assembly, or both. The actuating mechanism may be controlledand actuated by the user's hand or fingers. The actuating mechanism maygenerally include one or more control blocks, a bearing fitting, ashuttle with a socket and a travel pin, or a combination thereof.

The one or more control blocks may function to secure one or more of theassemblies in the stylet. The one or more control blocks may be anydevice that actuates the one or more assemblies. The one or more controlblocks may be a structure that rotates the one or more assemblies. Theone or more control blocks may rotate independently, or in combinationwith the one or more assemblies. The one or more control blocks may movelongitudinally relative to each other along a longitudinal axis. The oneor more control blocks may be coupled to each other, to a rotationwheel, to the hollow tube, or any combination thereof. The one or morecontrol blocks may generally be a spool control block or an anchorcontrol block.

The one or more spool control blocks may function to assist in actuationor rotation, or both, of the one or more assemblies. The one or morespool control blocks may be any device that may slide longitudinallyover an anchor control block and simultaneously be coupled to the anchorcontrol block for rotation. The spool control block may be secured orrestrained by web structures in the hand piece. The one or more spoolcontrol blocks may be any size and shape so that the spool control blockmay fit around the anchor control block, and so that the spool controlblock may actuate the one or more assemblies. The spool control blockmay be generally any shape and size required to perform the recitedfunctions, for example cylindrical and hollow shaped so that the spoolcontrol block may rotate around the longitudinal axis of the stylet. Thespool control block may have one or more grooves on the inside surface.The one or more grooves may match up with one or more fins extendingfrom the outside surface of the anchor control block to allow coupling.The spool control block may have one or more tabs extending radiallyfrom the outside surface of the spool control block. The outside of thespool control block may be coupled with a rotation wheel to allowrotation and longitudinal movement along a longitudinal axis. The spoolcontrol block may have a shoulder at the proximal end of the spoolcontrol block. The shoulder may be any structure that may act as a pointof contact for the actuation mechanism to actuate the spool controlblock and anything secured by the spool control block. The shoulder maybe formed by an extension protruding from the proximal end of the spoolcontrol block, the extension having a smaller diameter than the mainbody of the spool control block. The shoulder may allow for the one ormore levers to actuate spool control block. The control anchor block maybe connected to the jaw support rod with the hollow tube being securedto the housing. Moving the one or more levers may cause the hollow tubeto advance with respect to the jaw support blade. Moving the lever maycause the jaw support rod to be retracted into the tube. The hollow tubemay be static to the hand piece and the jaw support rod may be rotatableround the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the spool control block may beattached at its distal end to the proximal end of the hollow tube. Thespool control block may be slidable over the anchor control block sothat is may actuate the hollow tube attached at the distal end of thespool control block. Actuation of the hollow tube may cause the twoopposing jaws to close and to perform a gripping function. The spoolcontrol block may rotate the hollow tube when the hollow tube isattached. The spool control block may rotate the one or more assembliesand the anchor control block.

The anchor control block may function to assist in actuating or rotationof the one or more assemblies. The anchor control block may secure theone or more jaw support rods. The anchor control block may house the oneor more blade support rods. The anchor control block may be anystructure that may assist in actuation of the one or more assemblies.The anchor control block may be any structure that assists in rotatingthe one or more assemblies. The anchor control block may be anystructure that may slide inside of the spool control block andsimultaneously be coupled to the spool control block. The anchor controlblock may be any structure that may secure the one or more assemblies.The anchor control block may be any structure that may allow for the oneor more assemblies to rotate simultaneously. The anchor control blockmay be solid and may have a smaller diameter than the spool controlblock. The anchor control block may be static while the spool controlblock slides over the outside of the anchor control block. The anchorcontrol block may secure the proximal ends of the jaw support rods, theproximal end of the hollow tube, or a combination thereof. The anchorcontrol block may have a main body portion on the distal end region ofthe anchor control block. The anchor control block may have acircumferential groove at its proximal end. The circumferential grooveof the anchor control block may be placed into contact with a webstructure in the housing structure so that the web structure restrainsthe anchor control block to prevent axial movement and allow for axialrotation. The main body of the anchor control block may have one or morefins extending laterally from the outside surface. The one or more finsmay be coupled with the one or more grooves on the inside surface of thespool control block. The anchor control block and the spool controlblock may be coupled so that rotational movement of the spool controlblock causes rotational movement in the anchor control block. A bladesupport rod may extend through the anchor control block into the handpiece. The portion of the blade support rod extending through the anchorcontrol block may extend through a bias device and into a bearingfitting.

The bias device may function to assist in returning one or moreassemblies to the neutral or resting position after being actuated. Thebias device may be any device that will act to return the blade supportrod back into the neutral position after the blade support rod isactuated. The bias device may accept force applied by a piece of theforceps and apply the same force back on the piece to return it to theoriginal position. The bias device may be any shape and size to fit overthe blade support rod and into the one or more guide ridges. The biasdevice may be any structure that may be attached to the shuttle and thehousing structure to return the shuttle to neutral or resting position.The bias device may be any device that may function as a spring, forexample a compression spring or an extension spring. The bias device maybe a structure that may be rigid enough to withstand pressure whenpressure is applied. The bias device may be any structure that isflexible enough to be bendable without breaking and that can bemanipulated and returned back to form of the structure beforemanipulation. The blade support rod may extend through the bias deviceand into a bearing fitting.

The bearing fitting may function to assist in rotation and actuation ofthe one or more assemblies. The bearing fitting may rotate with the oneor more support rods inside of a socket housed by a shuttle. The bearingfitting may be any device that receives force from the socket andshuttle and is rotational at the same time. The bearing fitting mayassist in allowing for low friction rotation between two surfaces. Thebearing fitting may be any structure that may be moved axially and thatmay be rotatable at the same time. The bearing fitting may be anystructure capable of being moved by socket housed by a shuttle. Thebearing fitting may be attached at the proximal end, or proximal endregion of the blade support rod. The bearing fitting may be made fromany material allowing for smooth rotation. The bearing fitting may havea generally axisymmetric outer surface, or any shaped surface that mayallow for rotation of the blade support rod around a longitudinal axis.The bearing fitting may be attached, crimped, or connected to the bladesupport rod in any manner that would cause the bearing fitting to besecured to the blade support rod. The bearing fitting may be static tothe blade support rod, or the bearing fitting may be capable of rotationaround the axis of the blade support rod. The bearing fitting may be ofany size smaller than the shuttle so that the bearing fitting may bereceived inside of a socket housed by a shuttle and moved by theshuttle.

The shuttle may be any device that actuates one or more assemblies. Theshuttle may be any device that actuates one or more assemblies when theshuttle is moved by one or more levers. The shuttle may house a socketwhich receives the one or more support rods. The shuttle may be anystructure that may actuate a support rod. The shuttle may be anystructure that may actuate a bearing fitting attached to the end of asupport rod. The shuttle may convert angular force provided by the oneor more levers into linear force moving the one or more assemblieslongitudinally along a longitudinal axis. The shuttle may be any devicethat moves longitudinally along an axis without rotation. The shuttlemay be any shape or size necessary to perform the recited functions. Theshuttle in general may be cubed shaped, cylindrical shaped, or any shapethat may allow the shuttle to be placed over a bearing fitting and intoa plurality of guide ridges formed in the housing structures. Theshuttle may be any shape that may be restrained from axially moving bythe plurality of guide ridges. The shuttle may be any shape that mayallow for the bearing fitting to be housed by the socket. The sockethoused by the shuttle may be any shape and size necessary to allow forlow friction rotation between the shuttle and the support rod. Thesocket may have an axisymmetrical design inside the shuttle where thesocket receives the bearing fitting or support rod. The shuttle may bein contact with the bearing fitting or the shuttle and the bearingfitting may be spaced apart. The spatial relationship between the socketand the bearing fitting surface, being together or apart, may allow forlow friction rotation between the bearing fitting and the shuttle. Theshuttle may be actuated by one or more levers having a cam finger orcamming slot. The one or more levers may be in communication with atravel pin extending laterally from the shuttle.

The travel pin may be any device that assists in actuating the shuttle.The travel pin may be any device that provides a contact point for theone or more levers. The travel pin may convert the movement of the oneor more levers to movement of the shuttle. The travel pin may be anystructure that moves the shuttle by applying directional force to theshuttle. The travel pin may be any structure that may be moved by acamming slot at the end of one or more levers. The travel pin may be anyshape that may allow for the travel pin to move inside of a curved orarcuate camming slot. The travel pin may be any shape that may allow forthe travel pin to create a gripping force in a groove, slot, hole, orany other area the travel pin may fit in. The travel pin may have asufficient length so that the travel pin may form a connection with theone or more levers, and so that the travel pin may be received by acamming slot. The travel pin may extend through the camming slot and maybe secured by one or more guide ridges in the housing structures. Theshuttle may be actuated by applying a directional force to the travelpin. Shifting and rotating of the shuttle may not allow the shuttle tomove axially without getting stuck. The directional force on the travelpin may cause the shuttle to shift and rotate unless that is a reasonwhy it can only go one way. The one or more guide ridges may act as areason for the shuttle to move in one way, axially. The one or moreguide ridges on the one or more housings may allow the shuttle toreceive a force from the one or more levers on the travel pin on oneside of the shuttle and may allow for axial movement of the shuttlealong a longitudinal axis without getting stuck. The shuttle, thesocket, and the bearing fitting may be actuated by one or more levers.

The one or more levers may be any device manipulated or moved byapplying pressure to a portion of the one or more levers with a hand orfingers. The one or more levers may be any device that may bias othermoveable components, for example the hollow tube, a cutting assembly, ablade assembly, a functional assembly, or a combination thereof. The oneor more levers may be biased ambidextrously. The one or more levers maybe any structure that can pivot around a pivot axis. The one or morelevers may be any structure that may allow for the one or more levers tobe in communication with the one or more assemblies in the stylet. Theone or more levers may be any structure that may allow for the one ormore levers to actuate the one or more assemblies in the stylet. The oneor more levers may be a single lever that may be link to two differentfunctions and may be biased to generate each function individually orsimultaneously. The two different functions linked may be the functionof actuating the cutting mechanism and the function of actuating thegripping mechanism. The single lever that may link two functions mayhave a hinge in the single lever that separates two portions of thelever. The hinge may allow for a portion of the single lever to be movedrelative to the other portion of the lever. Preferably, the one or morelevers may be a two levers and each lever may be biased to perform adifferent function. The two levers may be a clamp lever and a cuttrigger lever. The combination of two levers may include a forkedtwo-sided cam finger, a yoke, or a combination thereof. Preferably, eachof the two levers may include an arm with a caroming slot extending fromthe one or more levers, a single cam finger, or two-sided cam finger oryoke extending from the one or more levers, or a combination thereof.

The two-sided cam finger or yoke may function to actuate the one or moreassemblies. The two-sided cam finger or yoke may be any device assembledin a top down assembly direction by fitting the two-sided yoke onto thestylet. The two-sided cam finger or yoke may be placed in communicationwith the stylet while the one or more levers are in a perpendicularangle to the stylet. The one or levers that are perpendicular to thestylet are placed in communication with the stylet along the primaryassembly direction. Once the two-sided cam finger or yoke is placed overthe stylet so that the stylet may fit in between the two fingers of thetwo-sided cam finger or yoke, the one or more levers may be rotated sothe one or more levers are perpendicular to the assembly direction. Thedegree rotation of the one or more levers is the amount necessary tomove the one or more levers along a secondary assembly direction so thatthe one or more levers are in the proper position. Rotating the one ormore levers once placed in communication with the stylet may allow forthe one or more levers to be assembled along with the stylet in atop-down assembly direction.

The assembly direction may be the direction of assembly that is referredto in this application herein. The assembly direction may be a directionalong a line normal to a plane bisecting the hand piece. The assemblydirection may be a line that is perpendicular to the bottom portionhousing structure where the pieces of the forceps device are placed intoposition. The primary assembly line may be the assembly directionfollowed to attach the one or more levers having a two-sided cam fingeror yoke to the stylet sub-assembly. The secondary assembly direction maybe a rotational line where the one or more levers having a two-sided camfinger or yoke are rotated to be properly aligned in the hand piece. Thesecondary assembly direction may be any direction where a part may berotated once in communication with the forceps. The rotation may be tothe degree necessary to align the part with all pieces in communicationwith the rotated part.

The one or more cam fingers may function to assist in actuating one ormore assemblies. The one or more cam fingers may convert an arched forceof motion created by the one or more levers to a linear force of motioncausing the shuttle to actuate the one or more assemblies. The one ormore cam fingers may be any structure that extends upwardly from the oneor more levers and makes contact with the one or more control blocks.The one or more cam fingers may be any structure that may push the spoolcontrol block and that may cause the spool control block to moveaxially. The one or more levers and the one or more cam fingers may beused to actuate the actuating mechanism. The one or more cam fingers maybe moved by manipulating the one or more levers on a pivot axis pointwith the user's hand or fingers. The one or more cam fingers may actuatethe spool control block by applying force to the spool control block ata single contact point. The one or more cam fingers may be positioned sothat the one or more cam fingers is only located on one side of a planeas discussed herein that bisects the hand piece. The one or more camfingers may actuate the gripping assembly without the need for a forkedcam finger or a two-sided yoke. one or more cam fingers may be incommunication with one side of the extension protruding from theproximal end of the spool control block. The one or more cam fingers maybe placed into position in the hand piece along the assembly directionwithout manipulating or repositioning the control block or any part ofthe stylet sub-assembly. The one or more levers with the one or more camfingers may be placed into position in the hand piece along the assemblydirection before the stylet sub-assembly so that the stylet sub-assemblymay be placed into the hand piece without manipulating or repositioningthe one or more cam fingers and the one or more levers.

The one or more levers may include an arm. The arm extending from theone or more levers may be any device that assists in actuating the oneor more assemblies. The arm may be any device that converts the archedmotion of the one or more levers into a linear motion of the one or moreassemblies. The arm may be any shape or size to perform the recitedfunctions. The arm may be any structure that may pivot around a pivotaxis so that the movement of the one or more levers causes the movementof the arm in the opposite direction of the movement of the one or morelevers. The arm may be any structure that may receive the travel pin andthat may apply directional force to the travel pin. The arm may be anystructure that may have a groove, slot, hole, or other shape to receivethe travel pin and move the travel pin axially. The arm may extend fromthe one or more levers and may have a camming slot in the region of theextending arm. The camming slot may receive a travel pin. The cammingslot may be any slot with a shape, which acts to convert the archeddirection of the force produced by fingers manipulating the lever into alinear direction of force applied to the travel pin extending from theshuttle. The arm extending from the one or more levers may be on oneside of the plane that separates or defines the two housing structuresof the hand piece. The arm extending from the camming slot may receivethe travel pin and be in communication with one side of the shuttle ofthe cutting assembly. The arm with the camming slot may be placed intoposition in the hand piece without manipulating or repositioning thetravel pin, the shuttle, or any part of the stylet assembly already inthe hand piece. The travel pin, shuttle and the rest of the styletassembly may be placed into the hand piece after the one or more leverswith an arm and camming slot so that the stylet assembly is placed incommunication with the camming slot of the arm without manipulating orrepositioning the arm with the camming slot one or more levers, or both.The arm with the camming slot extending from the one or more levers mayactuate the cutting assembly by causing the camming slot to move thetravel pin and the shuttle so that the pushrod is moved to create acutting action, therefore moving the cutting assembly.

The stylet may include a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism maybe any assembly of parts that may rotate the one or more assemblies. Therotation mechanism may be any assembly of parts that may rotate, andallow for actuation of the one or more assemblies. The rotationmechanism may include a rotation wheel housing the one or more controlblocks the rotation wheel coupled with the control blocks to assist inrotation and allow for longitudinal movement of the one or more controlblocks along an axis. The rotation wheel may be any structure that maybe manipulated by the user to rotate the one or more assemblies. Therotation wheel may be generally ringed shaped, square shaped, rodshaped, multi-sided shape, or a combination thereof. Preferably, therotation wheel may have an inside surface forming a space where thecontrol blocks may be coupled and the rotation wheel may have an outsidesurface which may be manipulated by the user. The rotation wheel mayhave a plurality of slots on the inside surface. The plurality of slotsinside the rotation wheel may be any size and shape so that the one ormore tabs extending laterally from the spool control block are coupledto the rotation wheel. The rotation wheel may have an outside surfacewith a plurality of indentations. The plurality of indentations mayallow for a thumb or finger to grip and manipulate the rotation wheeland spin the rotation wheel around the longitudinal axis of the stylet.The rotation wheel may have a groove on the distal side of the rotationwheel. The groove on the distal side of the rotation wheel may span thecircumference of the rotation wheel. The groove may allow for therotation wheel to be restrained in the hand piece. The groove may allowfor the rotation wheel to be restrained in a web of the housingstructure. The groove may restrain the motion of the rotation wheel toonly be rotated around a longitudinal axis of the stylet and not allowfor the rotation wheel to be moved in a longitudinal or lateraldirection.

The present teachings provide a device including one or more of thefollowing features: wherein one of the one or more assemblies is acutting assembly, and the one or more support rods is one or more bladesupport rods; wherein the one or more functional attachments is a bladeattached to the one or more blade support rods, and the proximal endregion of the one or more blade support rods being in communication withthe one or more actuating mechanisms; wherein one of the one or moreassemblies is a gripping assembly, and the one or more support rods isone or more jaw support rods, or the hollow tube or both; wherein theone or more functional attachments is one or more jaws and one or moreopposing jaws that are attached to the one or more jaw support rods orthe hollow tube or both; and the proximal end region of the one or morejaw support rods is in communication with the one or more actuatingmechanisms; wherein one of the one or more assemblies is a grippingassembly, and the one or more support rods is one or more jaw supportrods, or the hollow tube or both; wherein the one or more functionalattachments is one or more jaws and one or more opposing jaws that areattached to the one or more jaw support rods or the hollow tube or both,and the proximal end region of the one or more jaw support rods is incommunication with the one or more actuating mechanisms; wherein one ofthe one or more assemblies is a cutting assembly, and the one or moresupport rods is one or more blade support rods; wherein the one or morefunctional attachments is one or more blades attached to the one or moreblade support rods, and the proximal end region of the one or more bladesupport rods being in communication with the one or more actuatingmechanisms; wherein the one or more assemblies is a combination grippingassembly and cutting assembly, and the one or more support rods is oneor more blade support rods and another of the one or more support rodsis one or more jaw support rods or the hollow tube, or both; wherein theone or more functional attachments is a combination of the one or morejaws and the one or more opposing jaws and the one or more blades, theone or more functional attachments being attached to the one or moresupport rods, and the proximal end region of the one or more supportrods being in communication with the one or more actuating mechanisms;wherein the one or more levers have either the one or more cam fingersextending from the one or more levers, or the one or more arms extendingfrom the one or more levers, or both, and the one or more levers beingin communication with the one or more assemblies; the movement of theone or more levers causing actuation of the one or more functionalattachments; wherein the single cam finger actuates the slidable jointon a single side of the control block, the single cam finger extendingfrom the one or more levers being configured to be assembled by placingand/or advancing the single cam finger along the assembly direction sothat the single cam finger rests against the control block and is incommunication with the one or more support rods; wherein the cavity is acavity in the top portion, the bottom portion, or both and the styletand one or more levers are connected first to the top portion or thebottom portion and then the top portion or the bottom portionrespectively covers and closes the cavity; wherein the assemblydirection is a direction normal to a plane bisecting the hand piece;wherein the stylet is placed into the bottom portion of the hand piecealong the assembly direction before the one or more levers, or after theone or more levers, and wherein the top portion of the hand piece isplaced over the one or more levers and the stylet so that the topportion is connected to the bottom portion of the hand piece therebycovering and closing the stylet and the one or more levers in thecavity; wherein the bottom portion and the top portion are separated bya plane that extends through the hand piece and a line defining thedirection of assembly extends normal to the plane; wherein the assembledstylet includes: a hollow tube; one or more opposing jaws; one or morejaw anchor support rods; a blade: one or more blade support rods; one ormore control blocks; a rotation wheel; a bearing fitting; a bias device,a shuttle with a socket and a travel pin, or a combination thereof;wherein one or more levers have an arm with a caroming slot to receivethe travel pin of the shuttle on one side of the stylet, wherein thecamming slot is placed onto the travel pin of the shuttle withoutrepositioning the stylet, or wherein the travel pin of the shuttle isplaced into the camming slot without repositioning the arm with thecamming slot; wherein one or more levers have a single cam finger thatconnects with the one or more control blocks on one side of the stylet,and wherein the stylet can be placed into position without repositioningthe single cam finger, or wherein the single cam finger can be placedinto position without repositioning the stylet.

The process steps listed herein may be performed in virtually any order.The process to assemble the forceps may be any combination of steps thatmay allow for the necessary parts and sub-assemblies to be placed intoposition in a top-down assembly. The process may be any combination ofsteps that may allow top-down assembly without repositioning any partsor sub-assemblies already in place. The process may be any combinationof steps that may allow for the top-down assembly along an assemblydirection that is normal to a bisecting plane. The process may includeone or more of the following steps performed in virtually any orderunless specifically indicated. The process of assembling of the forcepsmay include the step of combining parts to form the stylet sub-assembly,for example the hollow tube, the one or more assemblies, the one or morecontrol blocks, the rotation wheel, the bearing fitting, a return deviceand a shuttle. The assembly of the forceps may include the step ofplacing the stylet sub-assembly and the one or more levers into the handpiece, in any order. The stylet sub-assembly and the one or more leversmay be place into the hand piece along an assembly direction. The one ormore levers may be placed along the assembly line to have the one ormore cam fingers, the ramming slot, or both, be in contact with the oneor more control blocks, the travel pin of the shuttle, or both. Thebisecting plane as taught herein may bisect the hand piece along acenter line to form two halves. The line normal to the bisecting planemay be perpendicular to one of the halves formed by the bisecting plane.The assembly direction may be any direction that allows the styletsub-assembly and the one or more levers to be placed into one of thehalves of the hand piece formed by the bisecting plane. The styletsub-assembly may be placed into the hand piece first and the one or morelevers second, or the one or more levers may be placed into the handpiece first and the stylet sub-assembly second. When the styletsub-assembly may be placed into the hand piece first, the one or morelevers may be placed in second without manipulating or repositioning thestylet sub-assembly. When the one or more levers may be placed into thehand piece first, the stylet sub-assembly may be placed in secondwithout manipulating or repositioning the one or more levers. Theassembly direction may be described as top-down or bottom-up when thedevice is lying flat on the side of the device. The method of assemblymay include steps of attaching parts to other parts. The method ofattachment may include, but is not limited to; using adhesives, molding,welding or other suitable means.

FIG. 1 illustrates forceps 2 including a hand piece 50 with a nose cone4, and a vertical plane 100 bisecting the hand piece 50, extending fromthe proximal end of the hand piece 50 to the distal end of the handpiece 50. The hand piece 50 is connected to a stylet 10 that ispartially disposed in the hand piece 50. The hand piece 50 includes aclamp lever 66, a cut trigger lever 67, and a rotation wheel 82 formanipulating one or more features of the stylet 10. The clamp lever 66and the cut trigger lever 67 are disposed partially inside the handpiece 50. The rotation wheel 83 is restrained to only axial rotation bythe hand piece 50.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of a forceps 2. The forceps 2include a nose cone 4. The forceps 2 include jaws 22 and jaw supportrods 24 that are attached to each other to form a gripping mechanism.The forceps 2 include a blade 32 and a blade support rod 34 that may beattached to each other to form a cutting mechanism. The grippingmechanism and the cutting mechanism may be inserted through a hollowtube 12 with a tapered overmolding portion 13 forming a stylet 10. Thehollow tube 12 has a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. A returnmechanism 86, a stopping device 88, a rotation wheel 82, a spool controlblock 62, an anchor control block 63 are all part the rotation mechanism80. The stylet 10 may be inserted through the rotation mechanism 80. Atthe end of the blade support rod 34 extended through the rotationmechanism 80 includes a bias device 75, a shuttle 72, housing a socket74, and a bearing fitting 64. The stylet 10, the rotation mechanism 80,and the bias device 75, the shuttle 72, the socket 74, form the styletsub-assembly. The forceps 2 includes a clamp lever 66 with a single camfinder 68, and a cut trigger lever 67 with an arm 69 and a camming slot70. The clamp lever and cut trigger lever may be attached to one or morepivot axes 79. The clamp lever 66, and the cut trigger lever 67, theshuttle 72 and socket 74, the bearing fitting 64 and a travel pin 76comprise the actuation mechanism 60. The forceps 2 includes two housingstructures 52. The housing structures 52 include web structures 78, oneor more pivot axes 79, and one or more guide ridges 77.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the device in FIG. 2A beingassembled along the assembly direction 200. The forceps 2 are assembledby attaching the jaws 22 to the jaw support rods 24 forming the grippingassembly, attaching the blade 32 to the blade support rod 34 to for thecutting assembly and inserting the gipping assembly and the cuttingassembly into the hollow tube 12 forming the stylet 10. The proximal endof the hollow tube 16 disposed in the hand piece 50. The stylet 10 isinserted through a return mechanism 86, a stopping device 88, a rotationwheel 82, a spool control block 62, an anchor control block 63 allcomprising the rotation mechanism 80. At the end of the blade supportrod 34 inserted through the rotation mechanism 80, there is a biasdevice 75 that is affixed to the blade support rod 34, a bearing fitting64 attached to the blade support rod 34, shuttle 72 and a socket 74housed by the shuttle 72 that fits over the bearing fitting 64. Thestylet 10, the rotation mechanism 80, and the bias device 75, thebearing fitting 64, the shuttle 72 and socket 74, and the travel pin 76,all make up the stylet sub-assembly. The stylet sub-assembly may beplaced into position in the housing structure 52 forming the bottomportion. The stylet sub-assembly is secured into place by the webstructures 78 and by one or more guide ridges 77. The forceps 2 includea clamp lever 66 and a cut trigger lever 67 that may be placed intoposition along an assembly direction normal to the bisecting plane 100.The clamp lever 66 is placed into position along the assembly directionso that the single cam finger 68 is in communication with the spoolcontrol block 62. The cut trigger 67 is placed into position along theassembly direction so that the arm 69 and the camming slot 70 receivethe travel pin 76 of the shuttle 72. The housing structure 52 that doesnot have the parts placed into position is then secured to the otherhousing structure 52 to form the complete hand piece 50.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the device in FIG. 2A beingassembled along an assembly direction 200. The one or more levers withone or more cam fingers being assembled along a primary assembly line300 and including a secondary assembly direction 300′ to rotate the oneor more levers with two-sided cam finger or yoke into place consistentwith top-down assembly. The forceps 2 are assembled by attaching thejaws 22 to the jaw support rods 24 forming the gripping assembly,attaching the blade 32 to the blade support rod 34 to for the cuttingassembly and inserting the gipping assembly and the cutting assemblyinto the hollow tube 12 forming the stylet 10. The stylet 10 is insertedthrough a return mechanism 86, a stopping device 88, a rotation wheel82, a spool control block 62, an anchor control block 63 all comprisingthe rotation mechanism 80. At the end of the blade support rod 34inserted through the rotation mechanism 80, there is a bias device 75that fits over the blade support rod 34, a bearing fitting 64 attachedto the blade support rod 34, shuttle 72 and a socket 74 housed by theshuttle 72 that fits over the bearing fitting 64. The stylet 10, therotation mechanism 80, and the bias device 75, the bearing fitting 64,the shuttle 72 and socket 74, and the travel pin 76, all make up thestylet sub-assembly. The stylet sub-assembly may be placed into positionin the housing structure 52 forming the bottom portion. The styletsub-assembly is secured into place by the web structures 78 and by oneor more guide ridges 77. The forceps 2 include a clamp lever 66 and acut trigger lever 67 that may be placed into position along an assemblydirection normal to the bottom portion of the housing structures 52. Theclamp lever 66 is placed into position along the primary assembly line300 while positioned at an angle so that the two-sided cam finger oryoke 68 fits over the one or more control blocks and rotated intoposition along a secondary assembly direction 300′ consistent with theassembly direction 200. The two-sided cam finger, or yoke 68 is incommunication with the spool control block 62 and is rotated along thesecondary assembly direction 300′ so that the length of the clamp lever66 is placed into position along the assembly direction 200. The cuttrigger 67 is placed into position along the assembly direction so thatthe arm 69 and the camming slot 70 receive the travel pin 76 of theshuttle 72. The housing structure 52 that does not have the parts placedinto position

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, cut along thebisecting plane 100. The forceps 2 of FIG. 3 include the jaw supportrods 24, and the blade support rods 34 extending into the hand piece 50.The forceps 2 include a return mechanism 86 and a stopping device 88inside the distal end of the hand piece 50, surrounding the taperedovermolding portion 13 of the stylet 10. The stylet 10 extends into thespool control block 62, through the spool control block 62 an into theanchor control block 63. The blade support rod 34 extends through theanchor control block 63 and into of the one or more guide ridges 77where the end of the blade support rod 34 extends through a bias device75, and a bearing fitting 64 that is received by a socket 74 housed by ashuttle 72. The spool control block 62 and the anchor control block 63are both coupled to a rotation wheel 82. The spool control block 62 maybe affixed to the overmold portion 13 so that there is no relative axialmotion between the two. The rotation wheel 82, the spool control block62 and the anchor control block 63 are secured in the housing structures52 by web structures 78. The forceps 2 include a power cord 54 disposedof in the anchor control block 63 and connected to the jaw support rods24, The power cord 54 exits out the bottom of the hand piece 50.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of the forceps 2 with the top portion ofthe housing structures 50 removed and both triggers in the neutralposition. The forceps 2 include a nose cone 4 at the distal end of thehand piece 50. The forceps 2 include a stylet 10 extending through thenose cone 4, through the tapered over molding portion 13 of the hollowtube 12 through the return mechanism 86, through the stopping device 88,through the spool control block 62, the rotation wheel 82, into theanchor control block 63. The blade support rod 34 of the stylet 10extends through the anchor control block 63, through a bias device 75,and into the one or more guide ridges 77 where it is attached to abearing fitting 64 and housed by a shuttle 72 and socket 74. The clamplever 66 is attached to the hand piece 50 at one or more pivot axes 79and the single cam finger 68 is in communication with the spool controlblock 62. The clamp lever 66 is in the neutral position. The cut triggerlever 67 is attached the hand piece 50 at one or more pivot axes 79, andthe arm 69 and camming slot 70 receive the travel pin 76 of the shuttle72. The cut trigger lever 67 is in the neutral position.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the forceps 2 with the top portion ofthe housing structures 50 removed, the clamp lever 66 in a retractedposition and the cut trigger lever 67 in the neutral position. Theforceps 2 include a nose cone 4 at the distal end of the hand piece 50.The forceps 2 include a stylet 10 extending through the nose cone 4,through the tapered over molding portion 13 of the hollow tube 12through the return mechanism 86, through the stopping device 88, throughthe spool control block 62, the rotation wheel 82, into the anchorcontrol block 63. The blade support rod 34 of the stylet 10 extendsthrough the anchor control block 63, through a bias device 75, and intothe one or more guide ridges 77 where it is attached to a bearingfitting 64 and housed by a shuttle 72 and socket 74. The clamp lever 66is attached to the hand piece 50 at one or more pivot axes 79 and thesingle cam finger 68 is in communication with the spool control block62. The clamp lever 66 is in the retracted position. The cut triggerlever 67 is attached the hand piece 50 at one or more pivot axes 79, andthe arm 69 and camming slot 70 receive the travel pin 76 of the shuttle72. The cut trigger lever 67 is in the neutral position.

FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the forceps 2 with the top portion ofthe housing structures 50 removed, the cut trigger lever 67 in aretracted position and the clamp lever 66 in the retracted position. Theforceps 2 include a nose cone 4 at the distal end of the hand piece 50.The forceps 2 include a stylet 10 extending through the nose cone 4,through the tapered over molding portion 13 of the hollow tube 12through the return mechanism 86, through the stopping device 88, throughthe spool control block 62, the rotation wheel 82, into the anchorcontrol block 63. The blade support rod 34 of the stylet 10 extendsthrough the anchor control block 63, through a bias device 75, and intothe one or more guide ridges 77 where the blade support rod 34 isattached to a bearing fitting 64 that is housed in a shuttle 72 andsocket 74. The clamp lever 66 is attached to the hand piece 50 at one ormore pivot axes 79 and the single cam finger 68 is in communication withthe spool control block 62. The clamp lever 66 is in the retractedposition. The cut trigger lever 67 is attached the hand piece 50 at oneor more pivot axes 79, and the arm 69 and camming slot 70 receive thetravel pin 76 of the shuttle 72. The cut trigger lever 67 is in theretracted position.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term may′herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or one to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theteachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

We claim: 1) A forceps comprising: a. a stylet having a distal end and aproximal end region, the stylet comprising; i. a hollow tube having aproximal end region and a longitudinal axis; ii. one or more assembliesthat are extendable through the hollow tube, the one or more assembliescomprising;
 1. one or more support rods having a distal end and aproximal end region;
 2. one or more functional attachments at the distalend of the one or more support rods; b. a hand piece comprising; i. oneor more housing structures defining a cavity that houses the proximalend region of the stylet; ii. one or more actuating mechanisms incommunication with the proximal end region of the stylet, the one ormore actuating mechanisms comprising;
 1. a bearing fitting located onthe proximal end region of the stylet;
 2. a shuttle in communicationwith the bearing fitting, the shuttle constrained by a plurality ofguide ridges so that the shuttle is movable along a longitudinal axisand restricted from rotational movement around the longitudinal axis; 3.a socket housed by the shuttle, the socket receiving the bearing fittingso that the bearing fitting is rotatable relative to the shuttle; and 4.one or more levers in communication with stylet so that movement of theone or more levers causes movement of the hollow tube or movement of theone or more assemblies wherein the movement of the hollow tube and themovement of the one or more assemblies are relative to each other.